Glossary

1) Vacuumlifter

A lifting device utilizing the creation of vacuum to attach itself to an object via the use of an electric-powered extraction pump and sealed pads.
Generally suspended from a hoist/crane, manipulator, balancer, or positioner. Often attaches to the lifting mechanism by means of a bail and hook arrangement or is an integral part of the positioning and lifting mechanism.

2) Work station crane

An overhead crane generally used for ergonomic purposes and consisting of bridge(s) and runways made from enclosed metal track. End trucks attached to the bridge girder allow for ease of movement. The entire system is designed to allow workers to move loads by hand pushing the load with the assistance of a vertical lifting device such as a hoist or vacuumlifter.

3) Palletizer

Palletizers are special machines capable of building a complete unit load on a pallet. Although the most common application is for cases, some palletizers can also handle sacks and bags. A less common palletizer application would be for special products such as sheet stock.
There are two general methods employed for automatically building a full pallet. One makes use of a fixed position or overhead gantry robot with end effectors suited to the individual loads, such as vacuumlifts or a gripper. The other method employs more complex mechanisms for forming pallet layers off line, one at a time, and then shifting or transferring each successive layer onto the pallet as it is lowered via a lift/lower table.